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Neighborhood Connections: Nov 2010

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By admin - Posted on December 1st, 2010
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City of Gresham: Neighborhood Connections November 2010

City of Gresham News,
Community Activities,
Workshops & More

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Inside this Issue

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

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Gresham Neighborhoods listing

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Associations page at GreshamOregon.gov or contact Cathy Harrington at 503-618-2482, or email Cathy.Harrington@GreshamOregon.gov.

Experience is the Best Teacher, and You Have a Lifetime’s Worth

Experience Corps, a program of Metropolitan Family Service, is an innovative program that connects older adult mentors (55+) with students in public schools throughout the Portland Metro Area. Experience Corps volunteers provide mentoring and academic support to students to boost student academic performance, help schools become more successful, and enhance the well-being of both themselves and students in the process. Volunteers serving approximately 15 hours per week may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend.
Interested? Please contact Heather Pruess at 503.249.8215 ext. 22 or heatherp@metfamily.org for details. Read more

$1,000 Shopping Spree

The Try Local First Coalition is announcing their 3rd Annual $1,000 Shopping Spree. You may enter daily until the end of the contest on December 3, 2010. The Try Local First Coalition’s primary mission is to promote shopping and contracting for services in East County. An interesting statistic, for every one million dollars of retail purchases in a community, that equates to approximately 21 jobs. Thus, the saying “Shop Local the job you save may be your neighbors” or the job you create could employ a friend. Remember to shop locally first. Read more

Multnomah County RSVP, a Program of Metropolitan Family Service (MFS)

Multnomah County RSVP volunteers provide a wide range of services determined by both their interests and the needs of the community. Multnomah County RSVP opportunities within MFS include providing transportation and Friendly Visiting services to older adults. Opportunities available at partner community organizations include providing nutritious meals to low income families and older adults; encouraging hospital patients and family members and welcoming visitors to the Portland area. What is it you would like to do?
Please contact Heather Pruess at 503.249.8215 ext. 22 or heatherp@metfamily.org for details. Read more

Volunteer as a Severe Events Driver

Be a life saver for older adults or those with disabilities. Help those in need in our community as a volunteer driver during severe events due to weather or other catastrophes. Read more

Residents’ Views Needed on Residential Compatibility

The Residential Districts Review – Compatibility project, which strives to make new development and existing development more compatible, will need public input at a 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 Community Forum at City Hall.
Height and bulk of new homes, transitions, flag lots, buffers and screening between developments, how small-lot subdivisions, and quality/appearance of fences along streets are issues that will be discussed.
Contact Brian Martin, Associate Planner, 503-618-2266, Brian.Martin@GreshamOregon.gov for more information. Read more

City Grants Support Environmental Projects at Schools

Fourteen Gresham schools have been awarded grants from the City’s Department of Environmental Services to support earth-friendly efforts. Some school projects are in need of community volunteers! Read more

Join Our Resident Web Panel

The City’s Watershed Division is looking for residents to take a series of short surveys over the next year. Your participation will help us with cost-effective programs that enhance the health of our local streams. The first survey will sent in December. Read more

Free Grease Kits for Holiday Cooking and Beyond

Cooking a turkey with gravy this holiday season? Keeping cooking greases out of the kitchen sink can prevent clogged sewer pipes. Wastewater Services offers tips for smart cooking and free kits to scrape and freeze the grease. Read more

Holiday Construction Limitations in Busy Retail Districts

Beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, and continuing through 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, the City requires that travel lanes in all retail districts be kept clear and on-street parking be made available to the general public. Read more

Prepare Your Water Pipes Before Freezing Temperatures Arrive

Frozen and bursting pipes can be avoided with a few preventative measures. The Water Division offers tips on preparing your water pipes for winter weather. Read more

Spirit of Christmas Festivities on Saturday, November 27

All day Saturday, enjoy activities, open houses and sales inside your favorite stores in Historic Downtown Gresham and at Gresham Station. Pick up your day of event schedule and list of all sales/specials at the information booth at 3nd & Main in Downtown or near Best Buy at Gresham Station. Don’t miss out on all these special deals this holiday season! Take the free trolley between the two locations and be sure to check out one of the many restaurants for special deals! Then come enjoy the tree lighting at the Center for the Arts Plaza at 6:00 pm. Read more

Pumpkin Tip

Don’t forget your Thanksgiving pumpkins may be composted or placed in your yard debris cart for recycling. More fall garden tips at Sustainable at Home. Read more

Fall Leaves Tips

Using machines to blow leaves in the street causes problems and expense. It’s also against City code. Here are our recommendations for disposing of fall leaves properly. Read more

$200 Rain Garden Grants Available

Planning to landscape? By installing a rain garden into your landscape to manage stormwater from your home, you could be eligible for up to $200 from the City and East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Read more

Volunteer to Watch Wildlife

We’re looking for Neighborhood Wildlife Watcher volunteers to monitor habitat structures in the community. Volunteers may find flying squirrels, wood ducks, songbirds, swallows, and bats. This is a fun volunteer project for families. Read more

Free Workshop: Learn to Ride Bus, MAX

Leave the car at home and bus, MAX, walk or bike. We'll show you how to read bus and MAX schedules, figure fares, put your bike on and answer your questions during a free “Learn to Ride Transit” workshop with City staff at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the City Hall MAX station. It’s part of our SmartTrips activities. Read more

Gresham Neighborhoods